Woodland Trails Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
Woodland Trails Wildlife Area is located seven miles south of Eaton near the town of Camden. About two thirds of the area is woods located mostly along the steep hillsides of Paint Creek. The remaining one third of the area is open land consisting of mixtures of grasses and shrubs. Paint Creek is a small stream with a one-mile stretch located along the western boundary of the wildlife area.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The purchase of this wildlife area took place in 2000, from the Miami Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Partners in the purchase with ODNR Division of Wildlife were NWTF, Quail Unlimited, Friends of the NRA, and the Preble County Outdoor Alliance. Future habitat management plans are to plant tall grass prairies and construct several wetlands in the gently rolling uplands, and improvement and protection of existing woodlands.

FISH AND WILDLIFE
Currently no ponds are located on the area. Cottontail rabbits, bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, Eastern wild turkey, woodcock, wood duck, mourning dove, woodchuck, raccoon, coyote, fox, mink, and opossum are the main game species found on the area. Many kinds of nesting and migrant birds use the area. Many songbirds migrate through in spring and fall, and hawks stop over during fall migration. A variety of songbirds can be found all year. Bird watching is a prime form of recreation and enjoyment for many visitors.

HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING
The most frequently hunted species at Woodland Trails are the fox squirrel, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, bobwhite quail, and the wild turkey. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and fox squirrel are abundant in the more open woods. Cottontail rabbit and bobwhite quail can be found in the brushy fencerows along open fields. Woodchuck and raccoon are widely distributed and hunting is usually good. Trapping of raccoon and mink can be productive along Paint Creek. Hunters and hikers should be cautious and aware of the rugged terrain, deep ravines, and several old home sites on the area; most are located in the wooded portion of the area.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
A parking lot off Tucker Road has been constructed to provide easy access to the area.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Rush Run Wildlife Area, 1989 Northern Road, Somerville, Ohio 45064; telephone (513) 726-6795 or from Wildlife District Five Office, 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, Ohio 45385; telephone (937) 372-9261.